June Rainbow Trout on the Kenai River

June on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska marks the beginning of most folk’s trips and vacations.  Many people from all over the world converge to one of the biggest outdoor playgrounds.  Summer is now replacing spring, the weather is warm and the days are long, making great opportunities for fishing!

For most fishing enthusiasts King Salmon and Halibut are top quarry for the first two weeks, but once mid June rolls around one of the most prized fish on the Kenai River opens to angling, Rainbow Trout! June 11th marks the season opener on the Kenai River for Rainbow Trout fishing.

The average fish are 16” – 22” chrome bright firecrackers. High flying and hard charging Kenai Bows will show you why they are some of the toughest Rainbows in the world!

We typically look for the deeper buckets with current as these areas are holding nice populations of hungry chromers.  Staying out of shallow water where late and post-spawn fish are holding is good practice to maintain a strong resource.  Rainbows like most spawning fish undergo quit a bit of stress, so intentionally targeting these guys leads to a higher mortality rate.

Planning a day or two chasing Rainbow Trout on the Kenai is a great way to throw an exciting mix into your Alaskan fishing trip or sightseeing vacation.  Fast action fishing and beautiful scenery will make this one of your favorite Alaskan memories!

Rainbow Trout have been busy spawning since late April, by now most Rainbows have moved off beds and begin feeding heavily on migrating smolt and salmon carcass from the past winter and fall.  It is not uncommon to watch several Trout attacking smolt balls on the water surface.

The Kenai is also going through a change; water flow is on a steady increase as our days are warmer and longer.  Highs in the 60-70’s and over 18+ hours of light help melt the past winters snow out of the mountains.

Migratory birds are reappearing from their winter journey, flowers decorate the riverbanks, the air is fresh, and the Trout fishing is exciting!

Flesh flys, egg patterns, and streamers will all get the job done, but our favorite is swinging streamers.  Ramped up Rainbows hit theses flys so hard it almost rips the fly rod out of your hand!  Fly fishing is the most common presentation, but float fishing offers the same productivity allowing anglers of all types to have a successful experience.

Fall Fishing is our Favorite...

The early Alaska Fall is a great time of year to come fishing. Come and see the real Alaska, the quiet, yet wild, Alaska without the tourist frenzy. On the Middle Kenai River in September you can enjoy the great fall colors, fewer people than in the peak summer months, and some of the BEST trophy rainbow trout and Silver Salmon fishing in the world.  The day time temperatures average in the 50’s, but it gets cooler at night.  The mornings are often filled with a majestic fog that adds to the anticipation of the upcoming hours of angling.  In September, both the trout and salmon are bigger than any other time of the season!  The trout are at their fattest because of all the food they have been gorging from the summer salmon runs.  The second run silvers are a genetically larger fish that blow up when you hook them. 

If you want to have a world class fishing experience, think about spending some time on the Middle Kenai for Silver Salmon or Rainbow Trout this September. Come relax with Alaska Drift Away Fishing!  Call or email our friendly and knowledgeable staff for questions about YOUR Alaska Trip.

Kenai River Rainbow Trout – Rainbow Trout fishing in September on the Middle Kenai River is by far your best chance to fish, hook, fight, and land big TROPHY fish.  The September is Super Bowl or the World Series of Rainbow Trout fishing.  Trout fanatics from around the globe journey to the Kenai to fish every fall. You can spin fish or fly fish for rainbows and your guide can teach you the techniques of dead drifting your fly or bead in no time at all.  The Kenai River offers trophy Rainbow Trout fishing all season, but September is by far the most productive time for quality fish that any angler can test their abilities with!